How to celebrate Christmas in different countries? Surely not every resident of our vast country knows the answer to this question, in which for many centuries this holiday was not remembered at all. Nevertheless, the forgotten tradition is gradually being revived and today, without exaggeration, we can say that Christmas is one of the most beloved Orthodox holidays, albeit unofficial. Still, who doesn’t like to gather at a table with a large family and enjoy spicy dishes and dishes, including baked goose, kutia, pies and rolls. This holiday brings maximum comfort, warmth, love and kindness. He is especially looking forward to the children who associate him with miracles and magic. You must admit that each child will be very happy to receive a Christmas present, the eve of which is celebrated by unforgettable strollers, spectacular dances and chants. Of course, in our country the birth of the “son of God” is a momentous event! However, how is Christmas celebrated in different countries? It is noteworthy that in some European countries and the United States the onset of the above holiday is expected much more than the New Year.
Of course, it is no secret to anyone that Christmas has a religious basis, and there is not a single secular in it. It is for this reason that the inhabitants of the “Old World” prefer to spend Christmas Eve not by the stove, but in the church, observing the priest’s service.
When considering how Christmas is celebrated in different countries, it should be emphasized that each state has its own traditions and foundations, which are always remembered when the “son of God” is born. In our country, after the collapse of the USSR, the above Orthodox holiday was legalized in 1991 by presidential decree.
So, let's move on to the practical side of the question of how to celebrate Christmas in different countries.
Czech
Czechs consider Christmas Eve a blessed time - it was during this period that they were engaged in decorating Christmas trees. After that, they begin to give gifts to cheer up and create a festive atmosphere for their friends and relatives.
Of course, the family invites all guests to the table, where the main meal is carp. Fish is bought live, and then baked with caraway seeds. After a hearty dinner, the Czechs prefer to fortune-tell on apples. The fruit is cut into two equal parts, and if the cut results in an asterisk of regular shape seeds, then this means that the year will be happy and successful.
Montenegro and Serbia
How is Christmas celebrated in different countries of the world, for example, Montenegro and Serbia? These Slavic peoples call the holiday "Bozich", and the eve of the holiday - "Badnidan." Serbs, in particular, adhere to this tradition: on the morning of Badnidan, the head of the family, together with their eldest son, go to the forest to bring a log of young oak from there, and the father should then throw it into the fireplace.
The tree burns for three days, protecting the home and family, as well as attracting luck and financial prosperity for the coming year.
Albania
A huge number of Orthodox people live here, so the holiday does not do without the traditional "Christmas" symbols: Christmas trees, feasts and gifts.
Greece
A very interesting question is how Christmas is celebrated in different countries of the world, in particular, Greece? In the Balkans, they hold Christmas Lent and on Christmas Eve children go home and caroling, announcing the imminent birth of the Savior. At the same time, Greek religious foundations are not without a pagan foundation. For example, from ancient times, the legend of the existence of treacherous and evil elves has come into modern days; within 12 days after the birth of Jesus, they bring chaos and disorder in the houses. For this reason, the Greeks light incense and prepare offerings for “uninvited guests”.
An iconic symbol of Christmas in Greece is a wooden cross decorated with sprigs of basil. He is placed in a container of water and after washing the cross, it becomes a saint. Such water is sprayed into the corners of the dwelling to expel the evil elves.
Brazil
A very noteworthy question is how Christmas is celebrated in different countries of the world, for example, Brazil. In the homeland of coffee, the moment of the appearance of the “son of God” is celebrated without our usual attributes - snow, sleighs, snowmen, and, of course, frost. At this time, terrible heat reigns here. Spruce is decorated with artificial snow in the form of ordinary cotton wool. Brazilians are a very religious people and the start of the Christmas holiday is given by “Mass of the Rooster”, since it is this poultry that announces the morning. In the homeland of the “carnival”, Jesus was not accepted to be celebrated in a narrow family circle - mass street festivals with bright incendiary dances and chants unfold here. If you have a very distant idea of how Christmas is celebrated in different countries of the world, a photo of the “Brazilian” celebration will help you make sure that this is a truly vivid and memorable event.
Residents of the South American state must gather with the whole family at the table on the eve of the holiday, which can not do without the presence of the national Santa Claus, who is called Pai Natal.
Germany
Not sure how Christmas is celebrated in different countries? The photo of the “German” holiday testifies to the fact that since the Middle Ages every German family, who was not distinguished by prosperity, specially bought candles to light them on this “bright” holiday, and burning them on weekdays was unacceptable luxury. Of course, today, garlands and electric candle holders are offered in a wide assortment, but the Germans are a conservative people, so no Christmas can do without ancient candelabra and wreaths with four candles, each of which is a symbol of Sunday advent (preparatory stage of the holiday). Four weeks before the birth of Christ, the first candle is lit, three - the second candle, two - the third candle, and last Sunday, the wreath is decorated with four burning candles. There is also a tradition of installing a small model of a nursery near the dwelling, where, on giving, they put little Jesus.
The Germans go to church service on Christmas Eve, after which a festive dinner is arranged, at which the main treat is a roast goose. During the Christmas period in Germany, it is customary to visit each other.
Finland
Want to know how Christmas is celebrated in different countries, in particular Finland? They are preparing for it here in advance. On Christmas Eve, evenings are held without fail, the initiators of which are women's charitable organizations (“piccuyoulou”). It is customary to make holiday decorations on them, which are subsequently put up for sale at markets and fairs. Streets and avenues are decorated with colorful garlands, and as for the Christmas tree, its Finns dress up shortly before Christmas Eve. “Himmeli” are commonly used as jewelry - these are pendants made of straw in the form of geometric shapes. Of course, the inhabitants of Finland go to the sauna on Christmas Eve, and in the evening go to church. On this holiday, it is also customary to visit burial places and decorate the graves of their loved ones with fir branches and candles. At Christmas, the Finnish Santa Claus, whose name is "Joulupukki" must go into every house to congratulate the children on the birth of the "son of God." Toddlers on this holiday are dressed in a long hat and red pants.
Belgium
Brightly and spectacularly held Christmas Day in Belgium.
The local Santa Claus, in the role of St. Nicholas, rides a white horse, accompanied by his citizen Black Peter and gives children presents, but for naughty kids he has stockpiles. At the same time, children receive gifts not only from Santa, but also from their parents, who put them in socks hanging directly above the fireplace. However, the kids find toys under the tree. Christmas breakfast is not complete without a piece of sweet bread made in the shape of a little Jesus figurine.
Austria
On a holiday, the Austrians prefer to decorate the Christmas tree not only with toy ornaments and garlands, but also with marzipan and chocolate. Everyone wears elegant costumes for Christmas and do not close their doors to the castle, expecting someone to come to visit. And, of course, the crown dish on the Austrian table is baked carp.
